Ashill Community Primary School Nursery Review

Constructive play gives Ashill Pre-school its character: children practise physical and social skills together, with encouragement to consider other people and their surroundings. The nursery aims to build confidence by recognising each child's achievements. It is part of Ashill Community Primary School in Ashill, Ilminster, and accepts children from age 2.

This is school-attached provision with its own pre-school manager and assistants. At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 June 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement applies to the early years, rather than being a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Play and guided learning are intended to share the day. Through its ACE EYFS Curriculum, the school aims to combine activities children choose with adult teaching, individual work and learning in small groups. EYFS means the early years foundation stage: here, the learning environment covers seven areas, with experiences intended to develop children's thinking, independence and creativity.

Plan, Do, Review is a named approach within that curriculum. The school aims to help children think about their actions and regulate themselves, making reflection part of learning alongside the activity itself. Language is another emphasis: the school aims to build experiences around conversation and children's individual needs.

Indoors, natural furnishings feature in a classroom with plenty of light. Outdoor learning is accessible throughout the year, giving children another setting in which to practise skills and explore different materials. The environment therefore extends beyond the classroom rather than making outdoor learning a seasonal addition.

Stories connect learning with everyday life. In June 2024, early years children explored healthy eating through The Very Hungry Caterpillar. There was also a curriculum concern: children in the early years had gaps in some subjects that made new ideas harder to understand and connect. Closing those gaps was an improvement priority, so the Good judgement needs to be read alongside that specific weakness.

The pre-school team includes a manager and assistants, while a designated safeguarding lead has responsibility for the nursery. Parents are welcome to talk with staff. For concerns about learning or additional needs, appointments with the school's SEND coordinator can be arranged through the office, giving families a direct route into a support discussion.

Emotional learning starts early. In June 2024, the youngest children were learning to identify feelings and respond appropriately. This gives a concrete example of care being taught through everyday interactions.

Food has a nursery-specific emphasis. ACE Catering's nursery menus include vegetables and fruit at each meal, with more than 20 varieties across the menus. Protein choices include beans, vegetarian options, fish and meat each day; dairy or alternatives feature daily too. Wholegrains appear weekly, and fried foods are excluded. These details make nutrition a practical part of the provision, alongside learning about healthy eating.

Attending Ashill Pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority in Taunton, with an online option, and return it by the deadline given in their application paperwork. Choosing the nursery and applying for school are separate decisions; families should keep that distinction clear when planning the next stage.

Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday in term time. Sessional places can also be discussed with the pre-school, giving families an alternative to the full opening day.

The nursery accepts working family funding for children aged 2 to 4, as well as supported funding for eligible 2-year-olds. Applications and visit bookings go through the school office on 01823 480637. A visit can help families consider the play spaces and curriculum before applying.